geez150
Expert
My biggest bash against Doo is that most people that ride them have drank so much yellow Kool aid they can't even consider looking at another brand no matter what stroke the engine is. After bouncing around between all 4 oems I can tell you in this day with the rider forward chassis they are all good machines and just wish the die hard Doo guys would not put Doo in a league of their own.

KnappAttack
24X ISR World Drag Racing Champion
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2017 Sidewinder LTX-LE
My biggest bash against Doo is that most people that ride them have drank so much yellow Kool aid they can't even consider looking at another brand no matter what stroke the engine is. After bouncing around between all 4 oems I can tell you in this day with the rider forward chassis they are all good machines and just wish the die hard Doo guys would not put Doo in a league of their own.
Most Yamaha guys are that way too. Brand loyal with blue goggles! Same with the Cat and Polaris guys too.
I don't give a crap what it is I ride, as long as it gives me what I want. For the most part, I'd lean towards Doo when it comes to all around quality and fun factor. This Winder is OK but its no Doo for quality that's for certain, after all it is really a Cat... Until Doo gives me what I want, I'll continue with the Winder as it does ride and handle well, but dang it could loose some weight as its rather porky. My turbo Doo was MUCH lighter but still steered harder.
They need to work on these nagging problems like starting in the cold, roll over valve problem and oil tank leaking issues, others will tell you belt and clutch issues and I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting.
Myself, I'm not the least bit interested in ANY two-strokes anymore. If Doo does not bring a higher HP four-stroke, I'll stick with the Winder till I get bored.
SAB1
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The best thing about this thread is that Boston, the original poster, is happy with his purchase and ride. There isn't enough positive things said on this forum sometimes. The sidewinder seems to be a great sled but like anything, the first year or two of production leads to some refining. I have been happy with mine as well. Hope everyone else is.
SumpBuster
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Heading up Monday, (pretty short drive for me) Boston, so if you're around look for mean black apex with red armour underneath and a white/blue sidewinder, hopefully not pulled over by the radar boys on north road! Rode Penn. Mt and points West twice this year, hopefully they picked up enough for 3. Only an hour away unloading there.
SumpBuster
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I rode doo with outboard rear shocks...leaf springs..Then the prs chassis with the overachieving 521, then the first mxz in the new chassis with the 462...even went to valcourt and had a 3 hour tour of the factory....then form. z, form iii, machz, and on and on, when they were worst in sales ...and I liked some, and some, not so much. Got pissed when yammys blew us off the trail on the cockroach sleds, riding the low prs doo formula plus..dam, they couldn't handle big bumps! But never understood the bleed yellow, bleed green, etc. I really like the sw so far, and it's a cat!! But the motor is a gem..They're all good if they meet or exceed expectations. I will say Im dissapointed a little in doo as they used to be pretty bulletproof, but some guys are having some issues. Rode with a guy last year and he noticed his bulkhead was cracked, and not sure when it happened. Oh well.My biggest bash against Doo is that most people that ride them have drank so much yellow Kool aid they can't even consider looking at another brand no matter what stroke the engine is. After bouncing around between all 4 oems I can tell you in this day with the rider forward chassis they are all good machines and just wish the die hard Doo guys would not put Doo in a league of their own.
Yamatario
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You can always find something to praise or bash on each sled, as we all have different expectations. To me the biggest part of the whole impression or satisfaction is your dealer. My last 5 sleds have all been Yamaha's mainly because of my Yamaha dealer...Brian's Service Center in Hensall, ON. Our group was split fairly evenly between Doo, Yamaha and Polaris. Then several years ago I was the only Yamaha, and now 6 Yamaha and 2 Skidoo.
fourload
TY 4 Stroke Master
I have a Sidewinder and my wife has a 16 spring build 600 Poo Pro R. I really like them both. My sled is fast, smooth, handles well now with Pilots and rides great. Her sled is quick, not so fast(maybe 100 on a good day), handles great, rides great and is typical 2 stroke noisy and actually uses more fuel than mine. I can however ride her sled faster with more fun in the tighter trails and can flick her sled with just a little body movement. She loves her sled and I like mine and that is all that matters. Wish I could cross the best of her sled and mine!!
SumpBuster
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I only ride last place sales stuff...lol....went to yamaha at the 4 stroke era start...funny thing....no more blown pistons, dry crank bearings, etc!! Now proud to ride once again last place sales sleds...lol...even the other half a recently almost bankrupt proud sled maker!! Yet I pass a hell of a lot of yellow!! Courteously of course!You can always find something to praise or bash on each sled, as we all have different expectations. To me the biggest part of the whole impression or satisfaction is your dealer. My last 5 sleds have all been Yamaha's mainly because of my Yamaha dealer...Brian's Service Center in Hensall, ON. Our group was split fairly evenly between Doo, Yamaha and Polaris. Then several years ago I was the only Yamaha, and now 6 Yamaha and 2 Skidoo.

XP123
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The only reason I went Yamaha was originally for their 4 stroke engine. This time around I wanted the turbo power. Like Boston posted I too really like my Winder and feel it's awesome but just like him I had to change ski's and add a 4th wheel kit along with other stuff. I wish we didn't have all these little issues and fixes but overall his take on his Winder is spot on. It's a great sled but I feel Yamaha could do better with some of the issues along with parts availability and better customer service.I only ride last place sales stuff...lol....went to yamaha at the 4 stroke era start...funny thing....no more blown pistons, dry crank bearings, etc!! Now proud to ride once again last place sales sleds...lol...even the other half a recently almost bankrupt proud sled maker!! Yet I pass a hell of a lot of yellow!! Courteously of course!
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SumpBuster
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True. Want some low miles tuners? LOL.The only reason I went Yamaha was originally for their 4 stroke engine. This time around I wanted the turbo power. Like Boston posted I too really like my Winder and feel it's awesome but just like him I had to change ski's and add a 4th wheel kit along with other stuff. I wish we didn't have all these little issues and fixes but overall his take on his Winder is spot on. It's a great sled but I feel Yamaha could do better with some of the issues along with parts availability and better customer service.
Gently driven to make sure I couldn't turn....
yamadooman
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My apologies to the OP.. I am glad he is very happy with his sled. They are a very nice sled.. Just no need to bring in the competition on a post like that.. Like was said in an earlier post, EVERY brand has its own cheerleaders.........

XP123
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These sleds need a real windshield for sure. That along with the ski's were the first thing I did. What ski's did you go with?Ok everyone, here is my complaint. My face is sore from smiling and laughing so much after today's ride I have a headache. This sled is the real deal. We were riding Tug Hill today and it was one of my best days on a sled ever. The handling and suspension was outstanding with no adjustments as of yet. The steering was effortless, The power, endless and priceless. I really don't know what could be done to make this sled any better. Yamaha, you did a great job. I will need to put on a windshield though, after riding most of the day in 8 degree temps, my hands got cold a couple of times and that has never happened. I have made a couple mods , studs, 4th wheel kit and skis. I would like to thank everyone who contributes to this site so we can learn and not reinvent the wheel.
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